🔗 Share this article

England and their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in an identical group for the World Cup in 2027, promising a major pool stage clash in the tournament Down Under. They are joined in Group F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and Zimbabwe.

This pairing mirrors their memorable meeting in the group phase of the 2015 World Cup, where a Welsh win at Twickenham contributed to the hosts' surprise group stage elimination.

Other Notable Group Pairings

Ireland alongside the Scots have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, replicating the situation from the France 2023 tournament. In that tournament, they secured a 36-14 win, with their opponents unable to advance to the quarter-finals.

Uruguay and Os Lobos, both made a strong impression as surprise packages in France, complete that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and top-ranked South Africa until the showpiece match, presuming the South Africans top their assigned pool.

Tournament Ramifications

Should the pools conclude in line with the current global standings, further top favourites like New Zealand and Les Bleus would remain separated from the likes of England and Ireland all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the remaining top-ranked nation on the same side of the elimination bracket as those northern hemisphere teams.

Hosts Face Blockbuster Opener

Hosts the Wallabies have been drawn together with their trans-Tasman rivals and triple champions the All Blacks in Group A.

Australia will open the tournament in the city of Perth on 1 October 2027 in a blockbuster match designed to launch the event.

Elsewhere, reigning champions the Springboks have been paired with Italy, the Lelos and Romania. The French team are grouped with Japan, future hosts the United States and Manu Samoa.

Larger Format for 2027

Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and Canada as the World Cup expands to twenty-four nations from the 20 who took part in France.

This edition will feature a round of 16 stage for the first time in the competition's existence.

Although the winner of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the game's biggest beasts early on, they will have to face the second-placed team from Pool B – most likely the Italians – in the first knockout round.

Four of the remaining six pool winners will face a team that finished third from the pool stages.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Groups

Pool A

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Chile
• Hong Kong

Pool B

• South Africa
• Italy
• Georgia
• Romania

Pool C

• Argentina
• Fiji
• Spain
• Canada

Pool D

• Ireland
• Scotland
• Uruguay
• Portugal

Pool E

• France
• Japan
• USA
• Samoa

Pool F

• England
• Wales
• Tonga
• Zimbabwe